Thank you for this honor. I am deeply appreciative. Community Leadership is a team sport and I thank the Orcas Island Community Foundation staff, Board, volunteers, donors, nonprofit peers, and neighbors who contribute to making Orcas a healthy and...

And away we go! Happy September! The summer has certainly flown by! San Juan County announced that their full time workers will be switching to a 32 hour work week. The plan is, that with flexible schedules, essential services will remain available 5 days a week. ...

We are quickly rolling through Summer!  My garden has been mighty happy! Jami Mitchell has been promoted to the role of Human Services Manager for San Juan County. Jami has served as the Senior Service Specialist for Orcas for the past 8 years. In the new position,...

Great news! This week, a generous community member and the OICF Board created a $250,000 matching pool for donations to the Pea Patch property purchase. Wowza! What a great way to top off our campaign to purchase the Pea Patch project! Every donation will be matched...

It has been so very sad to see the devastating wildfires sweeping through neighborhoods on Maui this week. The winds continue to spread the flames and their firefighting resources have been seriously outpaced. Communications during the fire have been very limited as...

Pam Evans joyfully volunteering Making Connections I have been thinking about how we grow connection to community. For me, volunteering has been the best route to learning more about the island and meeting more local residents. I served on the Doe Bay Community...

  Access to Care Access to Dental Care continues to be a Nationwide problem in part due to the very low rates of Medicaid reimbursement and the challenges of the billing system. This is a challenge for many island residents and while OICF is continuing the Dental...

  The Fullness of the Season There comes a time every summer that I feel like life hits Frappe speed- spinning a little out of control. There is a frenetic charge in every store and restaurant, a guessing game at every stop or yield sign, and a constant stream of...

  Welcome Lynn! I am delighted to announce that Lynn Sharpless White has joined the staff of OICF as our Support Specialist. Lynn brings great organizational skills, a welcoming personality and an ability to see the big picture and will provide back up for key...

    We are in the final lap of the race to purchase the Lavender Farm property. This is the 11 acre parcel that is nestled between the Funhouse, Senior Center, and the Fire Hall. The vision is to create a community campus, with a permanent location for the...